i want to start erp therapy but i’m so afraid to say my thoughts out loud bc even though i know i don’t be judged i’m so scared bc i feel like the therapist might judge me in her head and that i’ll be extremely embarrassed

Hi Alex I, like the others have said, a good therapist will never judge you and no matter how unique or odd you may think that your intrusive thoughts, obsessions or compulsions may be, you are not the only one who has them and most therapists have heard the same or something similar and will not be surprised or shocked in the slightest. Also, being 100% open, honest and upfront with your therapist is the only way to tailor the ERP and therapy in general in order to best help you recover. If you don’t trust your therapist and they can’t trust you you will never get the full benefit of therapy. There is no need to fear being judged for intrusive thoughts, remember you did not choose them and your therapist knows that. Stay strong and best wishes.

They’ve heard it all I promise! And literally no thought would shock them! Don’t avoid erp, do it!

I understand your fear. I had my first session yesterday and going into it, I was feeling the same way. I thought my obsessions and compulsions might prompt some sort of negative reaction from my therapist, but they were so unfazed by it and it was definitely nothing they haven't heard before. Any therapist dealing with OCD has probably heard just about everything. Don't short yourself on not doing ERP for this reason. Once you get into the session and finally spit out everything that goes on in your head and the therapist understands what you are going through, it is a big feeling of relief.

I am going through my first session tomorrow and I am kind of scared and excited to get it over with so you can be too!!❤️

@ colin do you do it online or in person?

I have not done ERP befor earthier but I know that it helps you become a better person you should get it over with!

thank you everyone!! i guess im also just kinda afraid because i feel like once i tell my therapist things it will become a confession compulsion

Great!